Should i get an esophagectomy?

Hi Rick I’m 6 months post surgery and 3 months post treatments. So I had flot treatments that’s 4 chemo treatments every other week for 2 months. Waited 5 weeks then had surgery 9 hr was in hospital 8 days. Then I could eat again it had been 6 months since I could eat. Then waited 4 more weeks had my last 4 treatments. Now I’ve had my scan all clear. So I’m 62 almost 63 couple months. I’m able to do most anything I want. Eating is still tricky at times. So I eat smaller meals makes it easier to digest. My digestive system is definitely not the same. So Rick for me it was easy I wanted the best chance for survival so I can still have a good life with my wife and family. When you have people around you who care for you and you care for them. I want the most time I can get. So I hope this helps wishing you all the best!! I believe you got this!! Scott

Hi Chip.
Thank you. I have T2B
Adenocarcinoma carcinoma. It made ot through the wall and affecting 2 known lymph nodes. I have my last scans on July 30. If clear I can then have surgery on the 30th. My oncologist filled me in that with out surgery the cancer will likely metastasize with in 18 months. But surgery has no guarantees either . Metastasizing of the cancer can definitely occur along with ahost of other complications and a poor quality of life. Im still on the wall.. the clock is ticking.
RVK

Hi Rick I’m 6 months post surgery and 3 months post treatments. So I had flot treatments that’s 4 chemo treatments every other week for 2 months. Waited 5 weeks then had surgery 9 hr was in hospital 8 days. Then I could eat again it had been 6 months since I could eat. Then waited 4 more weeks had my last 4 treatments. Now I’ve had my scan all clear. So I’m 62 almost 63 couple months. I’m able to do most anything I want. Eating is still tricky at times. So I eat smaller meals makes it easier to digest. My digestive system is definitely not the same. So Rick for me it was easy I wanted the best chance for survival so I can still have a good life with my wife and family. When you have people around you who care for you and you care for them. I want the most time I can get. So I hope this helps wishing you all the best!! I believe you got this!! Scott

This makes me feel a little better. My husband just had his first scan post 4 rounds of Flot and it’s showing a great deal of shrinkage of the mass and no metastasis. We have an appointment with the surgeon next Monday and are nervous now. I know this is a major surgery and it’s scary, but it is what it is at this point. I’m just hoping and praying the next step goes well!

My husband just completed his four rounds of chemo. He will start radiation/chemo July 14 and then headed towards the surgery. I totally understand why you’re nervous and scared but, I look at it this way we try to look at each segment and focus only on that to get through it. it’s unknown always in the beginning but once you’re in it, you just take one day at a time and keep working through it. We found this helpful instead of anticipating best of luck to you and your family, here’s to living in the moment.

Hi Rick I’m 6 months post surgery and 3 months post treatments. So I had flot treatments that’s 4 chemo treatments every other week for 2 months. Waited 5 weeks then had surgery 9 hr was in hospital 8 days. Then I could eat again it had been 6 months since I could eat. Then waited 4 more weeks had my last 4 treatments. Now I’ve had my scan all clear. So I’m 62 almost 63 couple months. I’m able to do most anything I want. Eating is still tricky at times. So I eat smaller meals makes it easier to digest. My digestive system is definitely not the same. So Rick for me it was easy I wanted the best chance for survival so I can still have a good life with my wife and family. When you have people around you who care for you and you care for them. I want the most time I can get. So I hope this helps wishing you all the best!! I believe you got this!! Scott

Hi Rick, I would get the surgery done. I had the FLOT treatments , chemo, surgery, then more chemo. I am on my last round of chemotherapy next week and then will be monitored for any recurrence for a few years. I decided on the esophagectomy because I wanted to tumor out. The recovery process wasn't bad. I eat smaller meals now and have dropped some weight, but know I can gain it back through supplementing meals with protein shakes and lifting weights. You can do it! A lot of stuff you read online can be doomsday news! I am single, kids were busy, so it was just me that recovered at home. Stay strong, and positive vibes your way! Clark

Rick,
I REALLY hope you get the "best" treatment available to you and beat this! As I said I was very lucky mine had NOT gotten into the lymph nodes. Please keep me informed about your choice and how your recovery is going. My best thoughts are with you.
Chip